We know we’re not alone in thinking May is one of the best months of the year – not only do we finally get to see a bit of sunshine (goodbye, April showers) but we also get multiple bank holidays to enjoy some well-earned time off.
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to grab a bite to eat, enjoy a drink or two in the sunshine, or out and about on the streets of Manchester, we’ve got you covered.
Manchester is filled with so many incredible places to get a bite to eat, so we’ve got to be honest, picking three was hard work – but check some of these out and we bet you’ll be just as obsessed as we are.
The Delhi House Cafe is one of our favourite spots to visit in the city nestled in the Corn Exchange – amongst plenty of other businesses with some delicious goods on offer – but we’re not here to talk about the Exchange, are we?
Delhi House is a family-owned business that – yes, you guessed it – originates from New Delhi, so you can count on their dishes being fully authentic. Their menu is super diverse, offering a full vegan menu alongside their standard one, and with so much choice we never know what to pick! We honestly think you can’t go wrong with the House Specials, but we’ve also got a soft spot for the Kadai Paneer. So whether you’re out with friends, family, or a solo date, this is a great option.
Are you looking for something that will have your Instagram followers frothing at the mouth, and your inbox filled with questions of ‘where ARE you??’
Then Menagerie is the place for you to visit this upcoming bank holiday. Based on the Salford side of Manchester, this is the perfect host for a bottomless brunch, a family dinner, or for a simple tasty meal with your pals that gives you an excuse to dress up a bit and feel your best self.
With plenty of choice on the menu – they even offer a carvery on a Sunday, yum – we love getting a couple of their small plates and sharing tapas-style with a mate. The place itself is a sea of all things pink and glitter and makes the perfect background for the hottest Insta selfies anyone’s going to share this month. 3, 2, 1, pout! Mwah.
If you’re not looking for a glam meal out, but are more on the hunt for tasty, comforting food in a more relaxed setting, then Platzki is a great choice. A Polish eatery that started as a street food stall but upgraded to a spot in the Great Northern Warehouse, Platzki offers traditional cuisine that will satisfy even the fussiest eaters.
They’re well-known for their confit duck leg, and when it tastes that good, it’s no wonder. They’re also open for breakfast and brunch, so if you’re looking for a way to start your day right, Platzki is the place to be.
Now, look, we aren’t encouraging you, but we also know that there’s plenty of you out there that like to have a few drinks over the bank holiday, and we just happen to know of a few great places in Manchester that you should check out.
The Anthologist offers plenty of food and drinks, so you’re covered on both ends here, but their drinks menu truly is something to behold. No matter what your taste, you’ll find plenty on offer here that suits you in St Peters’ Square.
One of the things we love about The Anthologist is that they’re constantly tweaking their seasonal menus to bring you new and exciting options that fit in with the time of year. You know that you can always count on them to have something unique and delicious on offer, so... why haven’t you booked your table yet?
Think comforting, welcoming, and no matter who you are or what you’re after, Evelyns’ has its doors open and is ready to usher you in. Based in the Northern Quarter and offering a beautiful blend of Asian and British fusion, Evelyns’ is always a great place to spend an evening with friends.
Their cocktail list is absolutely delicious, with some their own fun tastes on some timeless classics – we’re drooling at their champagne pina colada! They do also have the original versions of your typical cocktails too, so if you’re not feeling quite as adventurous, you’re still in good hands.
The trailblazing cabaret, La Clique, is bringing their incredible acts to Manchester for the first time this month. La Clique showcases the worlds’ best circus and cabaret acts, as well as bringing a summer pop-up experience with an outdoor bar and local street food traders, too.
You’ll find La Clique on the rooftop of Depot Mayfield next to Piccadilly Train Station, but if you’re interested, secure your tickets now, as this kind of event won’t hang around for long.
If you’re on the lookout for something else, then maybe the Chorlton Arts Festival will be more up your street. Local artists, musicians, dancers – anyone who fits into the definition of an artist comes together to share their work in Chorlton to show the community what they’re working on and what they stand for.
These events are an incredible thing to be a part of – allowing you to see the work that has been created in support for all sorts of causes, as well as being able to engage with the creators and find out more about their approaches and their beliefs. No brainer if you ask us. Anyone and everyone are welcome, with their prime focus being inclusivity and equality, so no matter who you are and where you feel like you fit, you’ll be right at home here.
Want to see the sights and grab a drink or two at the same time? Manchester’s Ship Canal scenic cruise offers you all the stunning sights of Manchester alongside several tasty wine options – who could ask for more?
It also isn’t just limited to wine – so if you fancy a cheese-tasting experience alongside your visit, or prefer to sample whiskey instead, you can personalise your trip to you, even going as far as getting a steak dinner on your cruise! Talk about a night out.
With two bank holidays coming up, you’ve got plenty of choice around how you want to spend them. Are you wanting to have a quiet weekend, or go all out and make it one to remember? No matter how you choose to spend your holiday, we hope that you have a fantastic time – and if you visit any of the places we suggested, we’d love for you to let us know!